Volubilis also referred to by Moroccans as Walili (Arabic) was the administrative center of the province in Roman Africa called Mauretania Tingitana. The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the late fourth century AD and later reoccupied in the sixth century, under the Abbasids. Extensive remains survived and create now what is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Morocco. Volubilis was later briefly to become the capital of Idriss I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty, who is buried at the city nearby, Moulay Idriss. Moulay Idriss is a charming whitewashed town, scenically nestled in a fold of the Rif Mountains and considered the holiest town in Morocco and of all lands after Mecca.

ITINERARY

VOLUBILIS / ROMAN RUINS GUIDED HISTORICAL TOUR►After a traditional Moroccan breakfast travel on a two hour excursion outside of Fès to explore the breathtaking archaeological site of Volubilis (Walili).

►Once occupied by the Romans, Volubilis has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site and gained international acclaim when Martin Scorsese made it a feature location for his film, The Last Temptation of Christ.

►Begin your visit by discovering the fascinating Romanruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several acres and what remains visible is several fragments of wall, parts of massive columns, the capitol, the basilica and a triumphal arch.

►You can view how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arc and temples devoted to the Roman gods.

►As you walk along the fertile lands of the province your guide will explain how natural commodities such as grain and olive oil were exported to Rome. Volubilis once functioned as a final stop of the Roman imperial roads that went across France, Spain, down Morocco’s northern city of Tangier and eventually into Volubilis.

►Enjoy light fare for lunch at the small café that sits just below the Volubilis ruins.

►Next explore the open air museum with remains of altars, sculptural fragments and colorful mosaics. Leaving the open air museum, you will cross a bridge over the Fertessa stream and wander into an area mixed with houses and industry. Further along, the House of Orpheus displays public apartments and rooms and private rooms decorated with a dolphin mosaic. Above the House of Orpheus, the sand colored ruins of the Capitol and Basilica, the main public buildings, are well visited.

►Upon returning to Fès, your driver will take you briefly through the city of Moulay Idriss. You can stand on one of the twin hills of Moulay Idriss. From there you see a panoramic view and appreciate the green plateau upon which Volubilis is situated. The horizon is dominated by the triumphant aqueduct and from there you can see how the Fertessa River, runs on one side of Volubilis, adding charm to the Roman ruins.

►During the FèsFestival of Sacred World Music which takes place each June, it is possible to enjoy concerts in Volubilis. Prior musicians who have performed at the ruins of Volubilis are the Akhawat el-Fane el-Assil Ensemble, Songs of the Brotherhoods of Morocco- El Boussairi, the Hadra Women of Chefchaouen, Sacred chants of Jbel and Tibetan songstress Yungchen Lhamo.